Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bark {Recipe ReDux}

Dark chocolate may be my absolute biggest food weakness. In fact, I’m pretty sure it is. I would choose a really good piece of dark chocolate (or, a dark chocolate brownie or a dark chocolate-chip cookie) over a piece of cake, ice cream or any other decadent item most any day.

So, when I saw this month’s Recipe ReDux challenge, I knew I had to share a dark chocolate treat in honor of Recipe ReDux turning 6.

Small Bite Desserts: In honor of our 6th birthday, we’re celebrating with cake…or another small bite dessert that fits your fancy. Show us your healthy small bite dessert creation.

One of my favorite snacks (morning or afternoon, doesn’t matter) is a handful of nuts or pumpkin seeds, dried fruit and a few dark chocolate chips. This Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bark is a perfect way to get a little sweetness, a little saltiness and a lot of chocolate taste. Plus, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, especially epicatechin, and may help lower blood pressure. The downside of dark chocolate? It’s so tasty that it’s easy to overeat, so bite-sized dark chocolate treats equals healthier portion sizes.

Another benefit of this Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bark is that it contains nuts, chia seeds and dried fruit, which boost the amount of protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamin E and iron in this dessert.

Place parchment sheet on baking pan. In a double boiler (or in microwave), heat chocolate chips until melted, stirring frequently. Pour melted chocolate onto parchment, about 1/4-inch thickness. Scatter nuts and dried fruit over top of chocolate, pushing in a little with your palm. Sprinkle top with a dash of pink sea salt and cinnamon. Let cool (at room temperature or in refrigerator) until chocolate hardens. Break into 24 pieces. Store at room temperature or in refrigerator for up to a week.